Legal 500 has published its Asia Pacific 2023 guide and Gall is ranked as a Leading Firm for Litigation (Band 4), Labour & Employment (Band 4), Restructuring & Insolvency (Band 5) and Private Client & Family (Band 3).
Litigation Summary and Testimonials
‘Small but very strong’ conflict-free specialist litigation boutique Gall‘s ‘well organised and effective team of lawyers’ picks up a significant volume of high-quality commercial litigation work (including in relation to shareholder disputes, fraud and asset recovery) on a standalone basis, as well as from law firm referrals. The six-partner team, which is led by Nick Gall, has excellent credibility before the local courts, and consequently provides a very strong service to clients, not only in purely domestic matters but also on the Hong Kong elements of large multi-jurisdictional mandates. Chris Wong is ‘very practical and good at client management’, particularly on behalf of Chinese clients engaged in matters before the Hong Kong courts.
‘Boutique dispute resolution only firm, no conflicts, small but very strong’
‘All the solicitors at Gall that I have worked with are diligent and helpful.’
‘A well organised and effective team of lawyers that is well-equipped in handling complex cross-border commercial disputes.’
Labour & Employment Summary
Gall has a growing reputation in the Hong Kong market for offering impressive employment expertise, especially regarding contentious matters. It acts for both employers and employees, often advising the latter on complex cross-border matters, with a particular focus on mainland China and the Asia Pacific region. The team was established and is co-headed by Nick Gall, whose reputation attracts clients from publicly listed companies and senior employees to national governments. Matthew Durham is the other half of the leadership, whose employer-facing practice includes contract issues, whistleblower claims and investigations.
Restructuring & Insolvency Summary and Testimonials
Gall, a Hong Kong based firm, specialises in contentious insolvency work with a concentrated outlook on domestically facing matters. The firm is regularly instructed by international practitioners on insolvency matters relating to Hong Kong and demonstrates a strong litigation practice. Nick Gall, Chris Wong and Evelyn Chan co-lead the team.
‘Gall is a boutique litigation outfit in Hong Kong that provides a level of flexibility that larger firms cannot provide, for example, in respect of conflict issues that might arise between a larger international firm’s corporate and litigation departments.’
‘They act fearlessly for and against large institutions, and despite their smaller size have been acting for some high-profile clients.’
‘Chris Wong is excellent and all-rounded and has a wealth of experience. He knows the courts and the market well.’
Private Client & Family Summary and Testimonials
Gall has developed a well-respected family practice within Hong Kong, advising on a broad range of sensitive family breakdown matters from divorce and complex financial claims to high-conflict custody disputes and relocation agreements. A client also commented that it has ‘a wonderful commitment to diversity’. The firm’s client base includes high-net-worth individuals, expatriates and pro bono work for non-profit organisations. Team head Caroline McNally is qualified in both Hong Kong and England & Wales, bringing an international dimension to her offering and advising on extremely complex cross-jurisdictional matters involving trusts, businesses and inherited wealth.
‘The team are rightly highly respected in this area by their competitors and clients. They are known for their professionalism and integrity as well as their strategic approach to litigation.’
‘They have a wonderful commitment to diversity.’
‘They have excellent breadth and depth of experience; covering big money, multi-party and the full range of cases.’